Monthly Archives: January 2026

Imran Lone trains Kashmiri youth to join Army

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education- Excellence, Coaching, Training, Tutorials (wef. Feb 09th, 2024)

Athwatoo Village (Bandipora District, KASHMIR), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

A training session at Imran Lone’s Academy in Srinagar

Hailing from the picturesque village of Athwatoo in Bandipora district, which is located about 10 km from the Line of Control in northern Kashmir, Imran Lone grew up amidst the lack of amenities, and this didn’t help him realise his dream of donning the Army’s uniform.

Today, Imran has become a ray of hope for thousands of Kashmiri Youth who aspire to serve the nation and Jammu and Kashmir by joining the army or police.

Imran Lone says, “I wanted to join the army. But no one guided me at the right time, and I had no information about the procedures. By the time I understood what should be done, I was already too old. It was my dream to join the army and serve the country.”

Imran Lone rappling

Although his dream never came true, today, inspired by that dream, he is preparing Kashmiri youth to join the Police forces and the Indian Army.

Speaking to Awaz-The Voice, Imran explains that the atmosphere in Kashmir is changing. Long-term unemployment and a lack of opportunities have led to frustration and drug addiction in Kashmiri youth. “About 80 per cent of the youth are depressed because there are no jobs here.

Many young people, frustrated, turn to drugs,” he says. Today, the picture is slowly changing. Kashmiri youth have become increasingly interested in army and police recruitment. Today, thousands of young people are participating in recruitment rallies and working hard in training camps.

Imran Lone is part of this change. He has started a free fitness academy for young people preparing for military and police recruitment. Training takes place after Fajr prayers in the morning and at 4 p.m.

Imran Lone in snowy wilderness

His academy trains not only boys but also a large number of girls. Recently, seven girls and thirty boys from his academy were successful in the constable recruitment. Currently, he is preparing students for recruitment under the Agniveer scheme.

Imran is a callisthenics practitioner. It is a martial art and fitness system that develops strength, balance, and control using one’s own body weight. Through exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and planks, it not only improves strength and endurance but also promotes injury prevention and overall functional fitness.

Callisthenics is considered highly effective in improving abilities like striking, grappling, and stability. This is the first and currently the only academy for this art in Kashmir, run by Imran Lone.

Imran’s own story was no less than a struggle. His village lacked even basic amenities like roads, electricity, and internet. To attend school, he had to walk seven to eight kilometres daily, braving the harsh weather. Due to circumstances, he was forced to leave school midway. His search for further education and a life path brought him to Srinagar.

Imran Lone

His early days in Srinagar were difficult. To make ends meet, he worked as a waiter, dishwasher, and salesman in hotels. But he harboured a burning desire to do something different. From childhood, he was inspired by the films of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.

Those films drew him to martial arts. Imran says that at that time, there were martial arts coaching clubs on almost every street in Srinagar. So he decided that if he wanted to do something, he had to do something different.

This is where his life took a new turn. He took up callisthenics, a highly demanding and disciplined sport. After years of hard work and practice, he mastered the art. Today, it is his identity and primary source of livelihood.

He began creating and posting callisthenics and fitness videos on social media, which quickly became popular. Today, Imran Lone is considered one of Kashmir’s leading social media influencers. As a fitness coach, he not only trains thousands of young people but also strengthens them mentally.

Imran believes that social media has become a highly effective medium for spreading awareness about fitness. “If used in the right direction, social media can help lift young people out of addiction and despair,” he says. Today, his earnings from social media are his primary source of income, but his contribution is even greater than that, in the change he is bringing to the lives of young people.

Inspired by the Para Forces, Imran aims to provide the same level of training to young people. Most of the young people who come to his academy are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Imran does not charge them any fees, knowing that a timely opportunity can change someone’s entire life, as it did for him.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Danish Ali, Srinagar / January 14th, 2026

A boy’s journey from Kupwara to India’s top labs as scientist

Inventions, Innovations (wef. Nov 30th, 2021), Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), , , , ,

Kupwara District (KASHMIR), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Dr. Parvaiz A. Sheikh, Faculty, IIT, Delhi

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi have developed a bio-patch that can reverse the damage caused by a heart attack in humans. The patch can be planted on the heart and it would regrow the damaged tissue and restore health.

The patch made of biomaterials has already been tested on animals and is awaiting human trials before it can be manufactured.

This key medical project is led by the Kashmir-born scientist Dr Sheikh Ahmed Parvaiz at the Sheikh lab for BioMaterial Advances in Regeneration and Therapeutics (SMART), Centre for Biomedical Engineering at the IITD.

“After the attack, a patient’s heart usually work only 40 per cent of its capacity. Such people usually do not live long and are also not energetic and healthy,” Dr Parvaiz said.

Parvaiz A Sheikh with a student

He said the patch can regenerate tissues damaged during a heart attack, and a person can live a normal and good life. The cost of the bio patch would be nominal compared to the costly and invasive surgeries.

Parvaiz A. Shiekh has been heading the Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBME), IIT-Delhi, as a DST INSPIRE Faculty since 2021.

According to the IIT website, where Dr Parvaiz is a faculty, “He establishes a research area that explores immunomodulatory materials and nanomaterials to develop therapeutic interventions for various biomedical & translational applications. His interests also lie in developing oxygen-based biomaterials and nano-therapeutics to cure cardiovascular diseases, diabetic complications and lung diseases.”

This, in a nutshell, means Parvaiz and his team are working on developing biomaterials that can become easy and inexpensive cure for heart and cardiovascular conditions in humans. He is working on regenerative medicine, where biomaterials and nanotechnology can be used for repairing body parts.

Dr Parvaiz A Sheikh

“We are also developing a bio-patch to cure the diabetic foot,” he told Awaz-the Voice. During his doctoral studies, Parvaiz has developed an oxygen-releasing wound dressing for diabetic foot.

The diabetic foot is a major health issue, and there is a lot of ignorance about it. “In India, many women are diabetic, and they don’t know. Many a time, such women go on pilgrimages barefoot and trek a long distance for faith. Many women develop sores that never heal due to their diabetic condition.”

This patch to regenerate the in a diabetic foot will cost around Rs 2 and save them the pain of gangrene, which leads to amputation of the foot.

Who is Parvaiz A Sheikh?

Parvaiz Sheikh was born in Villgam village in the Kupwara district of north Kashmir, about 30 km from the Line of Control in Northern Kashmir.

He earned his PhD in Bioengineering from IIT Kanpur and “developed functionalized biomaterials and scaffolds to attenuate oxidative stress and hypoxia in diseased conditions with remarkable translational application.”

Dr Parvaiz A Sheikh receiving an honour

“He also explored using stem cell-derived nanovesicles (exosomes) to repair and regenerate diseases like diabetic foot ulcers, myocardial infarction, and diabetic neuropathy. Most notably, he developed an oxygen-releasing wound dressing “OxOBand” for diabetic foot ulcers and a nanofibrous oxygen-releasing cardiac patch for myocardial infarction.”

Having completed his graduation in biosciences from Sri Pratap College, Srinagar, Parvaiz A. Shiekh joined the Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, for the Master’s course in Bioengineering, and this was not only a turning point in his career but life too.

Tracing his journey from Kupwara to the Hi-tech labs of India and abroad, Parvaiz Ahmed, who is in his mid-thirties, said that while growing up, he had not even heard of the IIT, let alone studying and working there. 

He loved football and also played cricket. He had no particular idea of a carrer and would follow what elders told him.

However, some life-changing and heartwarming interactions with strangers at a young age led him to get admission into the Central University of South Bihar for a Bioengineering degree.

Dr Parvaiz A Sheikh delivering a talk

At the Delhi Railway Station and later in Bihar, he met strangers who helped him not only join the University but also live comfortably away from his home for the first time.

He said, as a 12th-pass, he was supposed to travel by train to Patna for counselling for securing his admission for the a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering in Central University of South Bihar when he found himself in dire straits. He had missed the train and had no money or idea how to reach Patna.

“I was crying while speaking with my brother on the phone when a travel agent spotted me. He bought me an air ticket to Patna and also paid my autorickshaw fare to reach the Airport.”

Those were the days of no mobile phones or ATM cards; people communicated on landlines and withdrew money from bank by visiting them.

Next, he realised that a contact of a local banker in Kupwara had travelled 100 km to receive him at the railway station, while he had landed at the Airport. The administrative staff at the University supported him in submitting the bank draft in time.

Dr Parvaiz A Sheikh with his doctoral degree

After securing his admission, the Buxur family insisted that he stay with them till the classes started.  “They told me why should I travel home and return after 15 days, and waste money. They looked after me like their own,” he says.

Later, he received his PhD in biological sciences and bioengineering from IIT Kanpur (IITK) under the supervision of Prof. Ashok Kumar. There, he designed and evaluated bioactive, oxygen-releasing, and antioxidant polymeric biomaterials for therapeutics and translational medicine.

Today, as head of the Sheikh lab for BioMaterial Advances in Regeneration and Therapeutics (SMART) at the IIRT Delhi, his job involves taking cues from biology to create products based on engineering concepts, and possibly using them in different fields.

Speaking about his background, he said, “When you come from a background where you don’t have much exposure to things, every step becomes a learning experience for you.”

A Podcast with Dr Parvaiz A Sheikh:

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa, New Delhi / January 29th, 2026

Dr Kashif Ansari Receives Best Assistant Professor Award at JJ Hospital

Science & Technology, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

Grant Government Medical College and Sir J J Group of Hospitals marked Republic Day with an academic honour for Dr Kashif F Ansari, who received the Best Assistant Professor award from the Dean of the institution. The recognition reflects his teaching record, clinical service, and role in advancing minimally invasive surgery at one of the city’s largest public hospitals.

Dr Ansari serves in the Department of General Surgery and has built a profile in laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery and laser proctology. Colleagues credit his structured teaching, steady operating room leadership, and work with postgraduate trainees for the award.

The honour follows a major institutional milestone in April 2025, when JJ Hospital performed its first robotic surgeries. Dr Ansari formed part of the core surgical team that completed three complex procedures using robotic systems under senior mentorship and institutional guidance. The operations marked the hospital’s entry into advanced technology based surgery with a focus on affordable public care.

Dr Ansari completed his MS in General Surgery at D Y Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, and later trained in advanced laparoscopic and minimal access surgery. His professional record includes service as Honorary Consultant at Prince Ali Khan Hospital, Masina Hospital, Apollo Hospital, and Noor Hospital. He earlier worked as Senior Resident at Cooper Hospital, Nair Hospital, and Ambedkar Memorial Hospital.

He holds fellowships with national surgical bodies and life memberships with leading professional associations. His research work on difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy has appeared in a peer reviewed journal.

Faculty members said the award highlights the role of young Muslim medical professionals in public health institutions and their contribution to modern surgical care.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News > Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2026

IIT Bombay’s Prof Juzer Vasi Receives Padma Shri for Lifetime Work in Engineering

Amazing Feats, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Business & Economy, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), Leaders, Science & Technology, Scientists (wef. August 27th,m 2023), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbai, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

IIT Bombay has marked a proud moment with the conferment of the Padma Shri on Prof Juzer M. Vasi, former Deputy Director and senior academic of the institute. The national honour recognises his lifelong contribution to science and engineering, with a strong focus on semiconductors, microelectronics, and solar energy research.

Prof Vasi has served Indian academia for over four decades. He remains associated with IIT Bombay as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Electrical Engineering. His work spans nanoelectronics, solar photovoltaic deployment in India, global solar PV systems, nanocrystal-based solar cells, and the reliability of solar modules. These areas hold strong relevance for sustainable development and energy access.

An alumnus of IIT Bombay, Prof Vasi completed his B.Tech in 1969. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University in 1973. His academic journey reflects deep commitment to knowledge and public service, values strongly rooted in the Islamic tradition of ilm and community benefit.

Prof Vasi joined IIT Bombay as an Assistant Professor in 1981. He rose through the ranks to serve as Professor, Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, and later as Deputy Director from 2006 to 2009. He also taught at IIT Delhi and served as Visiting Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University.

Students and colleagues regard him as a dedicated teacher and institution builder. His leadership strengthened academic standards and research culture at IIT Bombay.

The Padma Shri recognises sustained excellence and service to the nation. For the Muslim community, Prof Vasi’s achievement stands as a reminder of the impact of scholarship, discipline, and ethical pursuit of knowledge in public life.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News > Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2026

Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh Honoured With Sena Medal for Supreme Sacrific

Amazing Feats, Bravery Awards, Citations, Commendations etc (since April 14th, 2024), Freedom Fighters (under research project), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WEST BENGAL :

New Delhi:

The Indian Army has posthumously awarded the Sena Medal to Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of the elite 6 Para Special Forces, recognising his exceptional courage and sacrifice during a counter terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir. The gallantry award was announced on the occasion of Republic Day 2026.

Havaldar Shaikh, a resident of West Bengal, laid down his life during a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Udhampur district on April 24, 2025. He served with the 6 Para Special Forces, one of the Army’s most demanding combat units. During the operation, he faced heavy fire and suffered grave injuries. He continued the mission despite his condition and ensured pressure on the terrorists until his final moments.

Army officials said his conduct reflected discipline, courage, and devotion to duty. His actions helped protect fellow soldiers and upheld the operational objective. The Sena Medal recognises acts of bravery and exceptional service. His name features among 70 gallantry award recipients announced this year, highlighting the continued sacrifices of armed forces personnel.

The White Knight Corps paid tribute to Havaldar Shaikh and acknowledged his role in counter insurgency efforts in the region. Fellow soldiers described him as committed and fearless, with a strong sense of responsibility toward his unit and the nation.

Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh’s sacrifice holds deep meaning for the country. His story reflects service guided by faith, duty, and courage. His legacy stands as a reminder of the price paid by soldiers who protect national security and civilian lives, even at the cost of their own.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 27th, 2026

Beyond Faith and Flames: The Nampally Heroes Who Defined Humanity

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

​Hyderabad:

In a world increasingly fragmented by invisible walls and bitter divides, two young men from Nampally recently proved that the pulse of humanity beats stronger than the fear of death. Mohammad Imtiaz and Habib didn’t just save lives; they offered the world a profound lesson written in soot and sacrifice: “Humanity is the greatest religion of all.”

​The Dance of Death

​The day began like any other, but it quickly turned into a nightmare as a ferocious fire broke out in the narrow lanes of Nampally. As the sky turned black with smoke and the screams of trapped children pierced the air, a crowd gathered. Many watched in horror, paralysed by the spectacle of the “dance of death.”

​But Imtiaz and Habib did not hesitate. They didn’t stop to ask the names of the children or the faith of their parents. To them, they weren’t “someone else’s children”; they were simply young lives on the verge of being extinguished.

​A Sacrifice for the “Tender Buds”

​Driven by a singular, frantic urge to protect the innocent, the duo plunged into the inferno. Witnesses describe a scene of pure heroism: two shadows moving through the orange glow, determined to pluck “tender buds” from the jaws of a fiery end.

​They succeeded in their mission – the children were brought to safety. But in a cruel twist of fate, the fire that failed to claim the little ones took the lives of their saviours. Imtiaz and Habib breathed their last, leaving behind grieving families and a city in mourning.

​The Message in the Blood

​These were young men with dreams, parents waiting at home, and a future ahead of them. Yet, in that defining moment, they chose “the other” over themselves. Their sacrifice sends a stinging rebuke to a society often blinded by communal friction. Through their actions, they declared that their faith was one that gives life, not one that takes it.

​As the saying goes, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Imtiaz and Habib became those candles. They burned out, but in doing so, they ignited a flame of empathy in thousands of hearts.

​Our Debt to the Martyrs

​The question now remains: How do we honour such a colossal sacrifice?

​State Recognition: It is imperative that the government supports their families and recognises their bravery with posthumous gallantry awards.

​A Living Tribute: The truest monument we can build for them is not made of marble, but of mindsets. To truly salute Imtiaz and Habib, we must purge the religious prejudice from our hearts and learn to see the human before the creed.

​In the ashes of Nampally, a grim tragedy occurred. But from those same ashes, a story of immortal love has risen – one that Hyderabad, and the nation, must never forget.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features > Focus / by Radiance News Bureau / January 29th, 2026

AIMIM Backs Sahar Sheikh, Alleges Selective Action Over ‘Green Mumbra’ Row

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mumbra, MAHARASHTRA :

Mumbai:

The All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen has defended newly elected Mumbra corporator Sahar Sheikh amid controversy over remarks described by critics as communal. Party leaders said her words targeted no community and called the backlash an example of selective scrutiny faced by Muslim representatives.

At a press conference, AIMIM state president and former MP Imtiaz Jalil said Sahar Sheikh made no remark against Hindus and issued no call for removal of any group from Mumbra. He said pressure continues for police action despite absence of any offensive content. He said the party stands with its corporator and treats her position as the party position.

The controversy followed remarks made after her election from Panel No. 30 B in Mumbra. AIMIM leaders said sections presented the remarks out of context to create a national level dispute soon after a Muslim woman secured an electoral win.

Jalil said the party will challenge the police notice served on Sahar Sheikh. He said the matter will reach the Supreme Court if required. He also questioned demands for an apology raised by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Jalil asked under which authority such demands were made while similar or harsher remarks by ruling party figures drew no response.

He referred to public statements by leaders speaking about entering mosques or issuing threats against Muslims. He asked why police action failed to follow in such cases. He said swift notices appear when Muslim women speak, while silence follows other instances.

Jalil pointed to the presence of Mayur Sarang, a Hindu supporter, at the press conference alongside AIMIM’s five elected corporators from Mumbra. He said such presence reflected the inclusive nature of the party stand.

Sahar Sheikh sat with party leaders and maintained her statement. AIMIM said it will pursue legal remedies and urged calm, asking authorities to address the issue within constitutional limits.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / January 29th, 2026

Tania Parveen’s journey from village transformer to special invitee to R-Day Parade

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Siswa Purvi Panchayat (East Champaran District), BIHAR :

Tania Parveen, Sarpanch of Siswa Purvi Panchayat in Bihar

Tania Parveen, head of the Siswa Purvi Panchayat in East Champaran district of Bihar, will be seated among the special invitees of the President of India to witness the ceremonial Republic Day Parade in Delhi on Monday.

Tania, an engineering graduate, is among the guests of honour at the 77th Republic Day Parade due to her work in transforming her village through her vision and work as an elected head of the Panchayat.

Today, the Siswa Purvi Panchayat is a model for the rest of the country and a living proof that villages too can have amenities enjoyed by people in cities.

Tania Parveen left her government job to take up the leadership of her village. She contested the Panchayat election with a clear idea that this position could help her in changing the poor living conditions of her village.

Her trigger for giving up a well-paying and stable government job was the air pollution caused by sugar mills. Taniya has been the head of the village Panchayat since 2016.

Panchatay Office of Siswa Purvi, Bihar 

The Panchayat has about 48 per cent of the Muslim population. She recalls that earlier, girls in the village showed little interest in education. Today, the situation has changed, with girls eagerly preparing to go to school.

When Taniya took charge, she had a lot of problems to tackle. Child labour, the trend of early marriages and the violence against women were immediate issues demanding her attention.

During the COVID period, she had to dispel rumours and misconceptions about the disease and its treatment. People were afraid of taking vaccines and tried to avoid quarantine. Through her strong leadership, Tania Parveen created awareness, and gradually, villagers began following the protocols.

The invite to Taniya is under the Central Government’s Panchayat Empowerment Scheme, which honours the outstanding panchayat representatives from across the country.

Tania Parveen became Mukhiya at the age of just 32 and, within the last three years, has transformed Siswa Purvi from a backward area into a model gram panchayat. Even former sarpanch Faizal Rahman, 50, openly praises her work and leadership.

Girls attending school in Siswa Purvi village

Her focus is on health, employment, education and empowerment of women in the panchayat.

Her efforts showed significant improvements in the health sector. Regular health check-ups are conducted for the elderly, pregnant women, and girls. ASHA workers go door to door to fulfil their responsibilities. Women are encouraged to join schemes such as MGNREGA, PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and Jeevika to make them earn.

Tania introduced smart classes and computers in schools, and paid attention to high dropouts among girls. After the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, girls developed a strong interest in education. With the installation of streetlights, women feel safer even at night.

Tania Parveen says that when she became Mukhiya in 2016, the condition of the panchayat was poor. Roads had potholes, drains were clogged, and sanitation systems were weak.

Today, Siswa has better roads, organised drainage, proper water disposal, and improved cleanliness.

She injected transparency in the spending and ended a culture of bribery and commissions in public works. She says her vision was to bring the basic amenities in her village to the level of a city.

An RTPS counter has now been set up at the Siswa Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan, where birth certificates, death certificates, pensions, residence certificates, caste and income documents are issued. Every day, 20 to 35 people come to get their work done without needing to visit the block office. Led by Tania, all employees attend regularly.

Tania Parveen is now working towards setting up a women-friendly panchayat. She believes that women will become strong only when they have self-employment opportunities. She has plans for conducting tailoring, computer training, and martial arts classes to make women and girls self-reliant and confident.

Asking her peers across the country to adopt honesty as the best policy, Tania says, when a panchayat changes, society will change. Then cities will change, and eventually, Bihar will change. Panchayat development, she says, is true national development.

She also notes that women’s participation has increased significantly in social security schemes such as pension schemes, ration schemes, housing schemes, and the “toilet in every home” initiative.

The construction of the Panchayat Sarkar Bhavan has also been completed in her village.

Tania Parveen is not ready to sit on her laurels. She is working towards creating newer employment opportunities, strengthening women’s education, and digitising the panchayat system. “If panchayats are to be made dignified and strong, it is essential to provide women with equal opportunities and full respect,” she says.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Mansooruddin Faridi, New Delhi / January 25th, 2026

Eight Individuals, Organisations to Receive Lt Governor’s Gold Medal in Ladakh

Uncategorized

LADAKH :

Srinagar :

The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has approved the conferment of the Lt Governor’s Gold Medal to eight individuals and organisations from Kargil and Leh districts on the occasion of Republic Day 2026.

In Kargil, the awardees include Mohd Hussain Khalo of Tamosa for public service, Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia for social reforms, empowerment and environmental protection, and Basij Baqiyatullah ASZ, Kargil, for public service.

In Leh, the recipients are Jigmet Chuzin Khary for sports, Taru Gayphel Animal Welfare Society for public service, Alamdor Health Service for public service, Sonam Stobgais of Leh for literature, art and craft, and Fatima Khatoon of Thiksay for entrepreneurship and progressive farming.

Each awardee will receive a citation, a gold-plated medal, and a cash prize of Rs 25,000. The presentation ceremony will be held separately, according to an order issued by the General Administration Department.

source: http://www.kashmirlife.net / Kashmir Life / Home> Kashmir Latest News / by KL News Network / January 25th, 2026

Padma Shri for Shafi Shauq: National Honour for a Lifetime Devoted to Kashmiri Literature

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kaprin Village (Shopian District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Shafi Shauq (Kashmiri poet and academic)

Srinagar :

Eminent Kashmiri scholar, poet, linguist and translator Prof Shafi Shauq has been named among the recipients of the Padma Shri Award 2026, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and literature. The award places Shauq at the forefront of this year’s honourees from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, marking a major national acknowledgement of his lifelong work in preserving and enriching the Kashmiri language and its literary heritage.

Born in 1950 in Kaprin village of Shopian district, Shafi Shauq is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative voices in Kashmiri studies. Over a distinguished academic career spanning more than three decades at the University of Kashmir, he authored, edited and translated over 100 books across Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi and English. His seminal works—including Keeshur Lugaat (Kashmiri Dictionary), Keeshryuk Grammar, and Kaeshir Zaban ti Adibuk Tawaariekh (History of the Kashmiri Language and Literature), are considered foundational texts and remain indispensable to scholars, students and researchers.

The Padma Shri citation recognises not only Shauq’s scholarly output but also his role as a cultural custodian who ensured that Kashmir’s rich Sufi, poetic and intellectual traditions reached both national and international audiences. His celebrated series The Best of Kashmiri Literature, featuring iconic mystic-poets such as Lal Ded and Nund Reshi, played a crucial role in preserving and popularising Kashmir’s spiritual and literary canon beyond linguistic boundaries.

Alongside Prof Shafi Shauq, the Government of India has also announced Brij Lal Bhat (Social Work, Jammu and Kashmir) and Dr Padma Gurmeet (Medicine, Ladakh) as Padma Shri awardees for 2026, recognising exemplary service in their respective fields. However, Shauq’s inclusion has drawn particular attention in literary and academic circles, being seen as a long-overdue national honour for a scholar who devoted his life to safeguarding the linguistic soul of Kashmir.

Social worker Brij Lal Bhat has been conferred the Padma Shri 2026 for his sustained and wide-ranging contributions to social service. Known for his grassroots engagement, Bhat has worked extensively to strengthen spiritual and community institutions through yoga shiksha shivirs, spiritual retreats and Bhandara Seva. He has actively promoted social cohesion and communal harmony by organising inclusive festivals and community programmes, while also contributing to rural development by reclaiming barren land for apple and walnut orchards. His work is widely recognised for combining social service with spiritual outreach and environmental stewardship.

In addition to Shauq and Bhat, Dr Padma Gurmeet of Ladakh has been named a Padma Shri awardee in the field of medicine, underscoring the diverse range of contributions from the region honoured in 2026.

source: http://www.kashmirlife.net / Kashmir Life / Home> Kashmir Latest News / by KL News Network / January 25th, 2026